Anyone over 60 starting hrt? Looking for doc in Midwest

Posted by jkmjkm @jkmjkm, Mar 7 8:28am

I'm over 60 but within ten years of menopause and have excellent cardiovascular health. I've never taken hrt. I was just diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism (improving with Vit D) and osteoporosis, despite exercising regularly and eating healthy. I have other less serious but troubling issues likely related to the loss of estrogen. I'd like to start hrt to try to help with all of this and because of updated info on the benefits. The general guidelines from menopause groups say "yes" to hrt up to age 60 for those without risk factors, and "no" thereafter. So far, I haven't found a doc willing to take a more nuanced approach, which I believe the studies support, especially for those under age 65 and within ten years of menopause. I am on the waitlist for May for a menopause specialist, with no guarantees for an appointment or a script for hrt. Anyone in the midwest, esp near St. Louis Mo have the name of a doc who prescribed hrt for the first time for someone age 60 or over?

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jkmjkm | @jkmjkm | Mar 11 10:33pm

In reply to @gravity3 "Have you tried a functional medicine provider?" + (show)

So far I am just looking at the traditional docs. But I may try down the road if I keep striking out. Thanks

jkmjkm | @jkmjkm | Mar 11 10:43pm

In reply to @dlydailyhope "@jkmjkm I am 55 and not on hrt. My doctor said unless I had hot flashes,..." + (show)

I'm not working with a nutritionist or physical therapist. Because my parathyroid hormone is decreasing with vitamin D (but not yet normal), my bone docs haven't referred me to anyone else. I do already eat what I believe to be a healthy diet, including dietary calcium, am at a healthy weight, and have been exercising regularly (weight bearing and aerobic) for decades. I have made an effort to eat more protein since my diagnosis. Having someone review my diet is a good suggestion, though, just to make sure I'm really on the right track. Thanks

jkmjkm | @jkmjkm | Mar 11 10:44pm

In reply to @dalexis00 "I restarted my hrt 2 months ago here in Colorado. I'm 74. I'm in great health..." + (show)

Thanks, I'll try that.

vivi75 | @vivi75 | Mar 12 7:53pm

In reply to @gravity3 "I am not sure what mhrt is. My story is very similar. I finally tried a..." + (show)

Mhrt is Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy. Happy to hear you're doing well. Can't wait for my appointment!

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Aug 21 1:22pm

https://menopause.org/press-releases/ongoing-individualized-hormone-therapy-appears-to-have-no-age-limit

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Aug 21 1:26pm

The science and attitudes about bhrt for women over 60 is changing. See my post below from the menopause society. The medical systems and doctors must catch up.

ramsgirl | @ramsgirl | Aug 24 12:58pm

In reply to @dalexis00 "I restarted my hrt 2 months ago here in Colorado. I'm 74. I'm in great health..." + (show)

I am so glad to read this. I was on HRT from age 46 to age 60 and I felt great. I had one mammogram that showed some calcifications in one breast and my doctor biopsied it and it was benign calcifications. So, I stopped taking it and I so wish that I hadn't. Now I'm 75 and in good health but having much trouble with sleep, fatigue, and several other things. I have an appointment with a new gyn in September (my former gyn retired) and I hope she will prescribe something, an estradiol patch and progesterone for getting back to my old self. I also really want protection for my brain, bones and heart.

kftammany | @kftammany | Aug 25 12:16pm

There's another group here at Mayo for those doing HRT after 75. You might try to find it. I'm 71, 15 years postmenopause, with all the symptoms of sleep disturbance, exhaustion, joint pain, moods etc. My wonderful PCP here in Maine as of July 1, started me on estradiol cream vaginally, and a patch with progesterone (which is needed if you have a uterus). Looking into testosterone also. Waiting for it to kick in. She referred me for information to physician online, Kelly Casperson (she has a great podcast, #s 225 and 229 related to post menopause HRT, which she now calls PET), and an organization called Midi Health (although for consult with them they do not take Medicare unfortunately). I've learned a lot from them, just Google. You also might try DO's instead of MD's.

kisu | @kisu | Aug 25 3:25pm

In reply to @gravity3 "I am not sure what mhrt is. My story is very similar. I finally tried a..." + (show)

gravity3, BHRT, HRT, MHRT, BMHRT... Geesh! All so confusing for women. I hope Kelly Casperson's, new "PET" (Progesterone, Estradiol, Testosterone) catches on and replaces all the former ones.

gigglemama | @gigglemama | 4 days ago

In reply to @gravity3 "I started bhrt last September at the age of 76. I went through menopause at 38...." + (show)

@gravity3 thank you for your post! I agree that as post-menopausal women we have been short-changed with the lack of awareness concerning the benefits of menopausal hormone treatment.
I just discovered the « Menoposse », a group of millennial gynecologists who are spreading the message of the importance of maintaining our estrogen levels for a much better quality of life. I have been dealing with chronic pain in my hips and lower back for the past 3 years. I am very active, eat well and take supplements. My current gynecologist refuses to put me on HRT so I am looking for another provider.
Could you share some of your sources of information ?